February 25, 2009
Scotty welcomed everyone and asked if we had any new visitors and introduces them. He thanked the people that prepared the meal and I said the prayer for the meal. We had fellowship together and ate the meal. Scotty said that he needed everyone's attention and made announcements. He said that there was Bible Study that night and the there was dinner and devotional Thursday night. He said that the girls won the Bible face-off contest and that Hannah Smith memorized 24 scriptures and the total scriptures memorized for the group was 141. Scotty read the following scriptures: Genesis 3:1, 1 Peter 5:8-9, John 8:44-45, 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, 1 Corinthians 11:13-15, and Revelations 12:9. He showed a video clip on the overhead called Satan's Meeting. In the video Satan was telling his demons how they can keep the Christian people busy to get them distracted from having an intimate relationship with God. After the video Scotty said that Satan is out there everyday and it is imperative that we spend time with God. He read John 10:27-29 and said that we never need to get too busy for God. He prayed for us and we were dismissed.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
All Campus Retreat With Methodist Center Part 6
February 22, 2009
The morning began by a video being played with highlights from the weekend. Josh then thanked the people for putting the video together and mentioned that it would probably be on facebook in the near future. He thanked the campus ministers and staff for their hard work. He said that after the worship he wanted everyone to get together for a big group picture and make sure we clean the place before we left. Sam Houston had their worship band leading the worship. The leader of the band prayed for us. We then sang “Cannot Hide My Love” and “Beautiful”. Josh said that he would be speaking today about relationship within the church. He read from 1 Corinthians 4:1 and prayed.
Josh said that he had never really went “church shopping” until he went to seminary. He said that one church he visited while in seminary he could feel a lot of tension at. Another church he went to everyone was excited to see him and welcome him, but the worship service was (in Josh's words) awful. Josh then showed a picture on the overhead projector of a church that had a sign that said closed on Sundays. He said that sometimes the church you visit can seem that way. He showed a picture of a church with no visible way to get into the building. He said that churches can seem that way sometimes too where they are closed off to everyone. He asked “What do you look for in a church?”. Some of the different responses from the audience included a home away from home, the holy spirit, not trying to force their practices on you, and spiritual fed.
Josh said that church is not about us but about God. He said that in 1 Corinthians 4:1 Paul uses a plural in writing “us”. He includes himself in their fellowship. Josh said that when you are a servant that everything is about the one you serve. He shows a picture of a servo-servant ( a robot that can do everything from cleaning the house to handling radio-active material). This is an ad from the 60's or 70's. He said that he doesn't think that is what service in the church is about being like servo-servant. He shows a picture of a signet ring. He said that a wax seal would be put on important documents and the ring imprint would be the representative that it was genuine. He talked about the particular picture he showed belong to the chief steward of Egypt. He said that there is a difference between being a servant and being a steward. A steward is not just about doing what he or she is told, but they take the initiative. Stewards are free people. Joseph has a steward to Pharaoh in the Bible. Stewards can often speak for their masters and have a personal investment in whatever they participate in.
Josh said that there is a difference then in being just a servant for God's mysteries. He said that we are not called to be stewards of money or even of doctrine but of God's mysteries. He asked how many people have played Othello. The motto of Othello is minutes to learn, a lifetime to master. Just because you know the rules doesn't mean you understand or know the game well. He said that he loves his favorite show because he wants to see how it ends. He loves the video games the most that challenge him. He said that Christianity doesn't seem that hard. You just have to repent and believe in Christ. It isn't that hard, until you try to live it out. Being a steward isn't that hard, until you try to do it. Being a steward to God is offering people hope when they are struggling or hurting. Sometime the church can seem like it is all about rules and not being good stewards.
Josh told the story of Geroni Lagui. This was a school teacher who went to theological school and went to England twice to study. He came back as a leader and was elected the bishop. He was then elected arch-bishop. He was in a country however with a ruthless dictator. The government threw a big party and the arch-bishop went so he can tell them what they are doing wrong and how they are oppressing the people. He started hearing threats from the government and is eventually sentenced and taken away to the wilderness never to be seen again. He dies in a car crash. As he looked on to his impending death, he told the people before he left to not be afraid and that he could see God's hand in this.
Josh admitted that he is not a great example of stewardship and said that we should look to people in the Bible and people in the church who are good stewards. He asked what it looks like to see stewardship in the church. Some of the answers given included more forgiveness, peace, reconciliation, putting others needs before own, and more God. Josh said that he wanted to offer a time for prayer and that God might be saying that he wants you to become a servant or he could be saying other things to us. The band came back up and softly played “I Feel Your Love O God”.
Josh then offered a time of communion and invited everyone to partake. The Great Thanksgiving was said in which the preacher says one thing and the congregation reply. It ended with the Lord's prayer and we take communion. “Let Your Glory Fall is played by the band while we take communion. Josh gave the closing prayer and we sang “He Loves Us” and “Psalm 126”. One woman said that they needed help cleaning the prayer room up and we are dismissed to take our picture and clean and go home.
The morning began by a video being played with highlights from the weekend. Josh then thanked the people for putting the video together and mentioned that it would probably be on facebook in the near future. He thanked the campus ministers and staff for their hard work. He said that after the worship he wanted everyone to get together for a big group picture and make sure we clean the place before we left. Sam Houston had their worship band leading the worship. The leader of the band prayed for us. We then sang “Cannot Hide My Love” and “Beautiful”. Josh said that he would be speaking today about relationship within the church. He read from 1 Corinthians 4:1 and prayed.
Josh said that he had never really went “church shopping” until he went to seminary. He said that one church he visited while in seminary he could feel a lot of tension at. Another church he went to everyone was excited to see him and welcome him, but the worship service was (in Josh's words) awful. Josh then showed a picture on the overhead projector of a church that had a sign that said closed on Sundays. He said that sometimes the church you visit can seem that way. He showed a picture of a church with no visible way to get into the building. He said that churches can seem that way sometimes too where they are closed off to everyone. He asked “What do you look for in a church?”. Some of the different responses from the audience included a home away from home, the holy spirit, not trying to force their practices on you, and spiritual fed.
Josh said that church is not about us but about God. He said that in 1 Corinthians 4:1 Paul uses a plural in writing “us”. He includes himself in their fellowship. Josh said that when you are a servant that everything is about the one you serve. He shows a picture of a servo-servant ( a robot that can do everything from cleaning the house to handling radio-active material). This is an ad from the 60's or 70's. He said that he doesn't think that is what service in the church is about being like servo-servant. He shows a picture of a signet ring. He said that a wax seal would be put on important documents and the ring imprint would be the representative that it was genuine. He talked about the particular picture he showed belong to the chief steward of Egypt. He said that there is a difference between being a servant and being a steward. A steward is not just about doing what he or she is told, but they take the initiative. Stewards are free people. Joseph has a steward to Pharaoh in the Bible. Stewards can often speak for their masters and have a personal investment in whatever they participate in.
Josh said that there is a difference then in being just a servant for God's mysteries. He said that we are not called to be stewards of money or even of doctrine but of God's mysteries. He asked how many people have played Othello. The motto of Othello is minutes to learn, a lifetime to master. Just because you know the rules doesn't mean you understand or know the game well. He said that he loves his favorite show because he wants to see how it ends. He loves the video games the most that challenge him. He said that Christianity doesn't seem that hard. You just have to repent and believe in Christ. It isn't that hard, until you try to live it out. Being a steward isn't that hard, until you try to do it. Being a steward to God is offering people hope when they are struggling or hurting. Sometime the church can seem like it is all about rules and not being good stewards.
Josh told the story of Geroni Lagui. This was a school teacher who went to theological school and went to England twice to study. He came back as a leader and was elected the bishop. He was then elected arch-bishop. He was in a country however with a ruthless dictator. The government threw a big party and the arch-bishop went so he can tell them what they are doing wrong and how they are oppressing the people. He started hearing threats from the government and is eventually sentenced and taken away to the wilderness never to be seen again. He dies in a car crash. As he looked on to his impending death, he told the people before he left to not be afraid and that he could see God's hand in this.
Josh admitted that he is not a great example of stewardship and said that we should look to people in the Bible and people in the church who are good stewards. He asked what it looks like to see stewardship in the church. Some of the answers given included more forgiveness, peace, reconciliation, putting others needs before own, and more God. Josh said that he wanted to offer a time for prayer and that God might be saying that he wants you to become a servant or he could be saying other things to us. The band came back up and softly played “I Feel Your Love O God”.
Josh then offered a time of communion and invited everyone to partake. The Great Thanksgiving was said in which the preacher says one thing and the congregation reply. It ended with the Lord's prayer and we take communion. “Let Your Glory Fall is played by the band while we take communion. Josh gave the closing prayer and we sang “He Loves Us” and “Psalm 126”. One woman said that they needed help cleaning the prayer room up and we are dismissed to take our picture and clean and go home.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
All Campus Retreat With Methodist Center Part 5
February 21, 2009
We had a break until 5:30. During the break and all the breaks, the bands were usually at the front worshiping and practicing. Saturday night worship service started at 6:30. The A&M worship band lead worship. First there was a prayer by Josh and he mentioned that five people had birthdays this weekend. He had them stand up and we sang happy birthday to them. Then we began worship and sang: "Sing like the Saved", "Meet With Me", and "O Praise Him".
The A&M Wesley choir sang some songs for us including: "I want Jesus to Walk With Me", "We Praise Thee O God", "At His Name", and "Psalms 46".
Next Max Mertz gave the lesson. He said that he would be talking about Loving & Dating. He said for us to think about what it would be like if our parents got to pick our future mate like in the Old Testament days. He read from Romans 8:31-40. He prayed and then talked about how he has heard many horror stories regarding relationships. He said one couple he know dated from three weeks, then the man left for the military, and came back on the wedding day. This relationship ended well, but that is not the norm. Max said he looks as dating like gambling. He said that we should do selective dating. He compared guys to waffles and girls to spaghetti. He said that guys, like waffles, have square parts, where they have different parts of their lives. One might be their Ipod, another entertainment. He said that God sees and knows our secrets. Sometimes guys try to give God only part of the waffle and keep the rest for ourselves. We should tell god our desires.
Max said that in relationships we should be more than conquerors. He gave the example of the caveman approach to dating and said wouldn't it be simpler if we could go back to this form of dating. He said also it might be easier if the guys were to jump and the guy who jumped highest got his pick of a female and so forth. It might be easier but it is not the way that God intended. He said that one problem he used to have at the Wesley as that the guys would make contests to see who would be the first to date incoming freshmen females. He finally had to make a rule that no guys were allowed to date a freshman girl until after her first semester. Max said that we can't hide our relationships part of our lives from God. Our relationships shouldn't be about who the winner is.
He said that a great conquistador (what we should strive to be) controls their sexual desire. He said that the second command Jesus gives is to love our neighbor as ourselves. He said that if we can't control our sexual desires, problems arise. He said that in failed relationships, we tend to do the same things in our new relationships as we did in our failed relationships. He said that we would feel bad about breakups, but especially so if we used them. He read from 1 Corinthians 3:16 where it talks about our bodies being the temple of God.
Max said the second thing to do to be a great conquistador is no determine not to hurt anyone. He said that sometimes Preachers can be hurting those around them unintentionally. He said that people who go through pain don't want to go through that pain again. He said that when we are hurt we have to pick ourselves up and say "I am a conqueror". More than conquerors keep God first in their live and can worry about dating life later. Some people may be 40 before they get married if that is God's plan. Max mentioned a friend he has named Tim who was 40 before he got married. He said that God has a plan for you.
The third thing Max mentioned is that Conquers are going to learn to love. He said that a conqueror puts others first and their feelings first. Max mentioned that he had roaming lips in college, but not anymore. He said that he has now been married for 30 years. He said that we don't have to kiss every girl we date. He said we should bring God to the dating part of our lives. He said that when we meet the right one all we will be able to think about is marrying that person. Max prays and the band comes back up. We sing "Wholly Yours" and Blessed Be Your Name". The choir comes back up and sings the benediction song: "An Old Irish Blessing” Josh passed out evaluation forms and asked us to fill them out regarding All Campus as far as suggestions and stuff.
They held elections for officers for next year at this time. Then there was a short break and a lot of people went to the bonfire at 9 PM. It was an informal time of hanging out, but we did sing a few songs. Some of the songs sang were: "How Great Is Our God", "God Of Wonders", "Heart Of Worship", "Prince Of Peace", "Your Love Is Extravagant", "Open The Eyes Of My Heart", "Lord I Lift Your Name On High", "Light The Fire", "Trading My Sorrows", "Even More Undignified Than This", "The Happy Song", and "You Alone" After the bonfire everyone came back to the main worship center and hanged out and some went to bed.
We had a break until 5:30. During the break and all the breaks, the bands were usually at the front worshiping and practicing. Saturday night worship service started at 6:30. The A&M worship band lead worship. First there was a prayer by Josh and he mentioned that five people had birthdays this weekend. He had them stand up and we sang happy birthday to them. Then we began worship and sang: "Sing like the Saved", "Meet With Me", and "O Praise Him".
The A&M Wesley choir sang some songs for us including: "I want Jesus to Walk With Me", "We Praise Thee O God", "At His Name", and "Psalms 46".
Next Max Mertz gave the lesson. He said that he would be talking about Loving & Dating. He said for us to think about what it would be like if our parents got to pick our future mate like in the Old Testament days. He read from Romans 8:31-40. He prayed and then talked about how he has heard many horror stories regarding relationships. He said one couple he know dated from three weeks, then the man left for the military, and came back on the wedding day. This relationship ended well, but that is not the norm. Max said he looks as dating like gambling. He said that we should do selective dating. He compared guys to waffles and girls to spaghetti. He said that guys, like waffles, have square parts, where they have different parts of their lives. One might be their Ipod, another entertainment. He said that God sees and knows our secrets. Sometimes guys try to give God only part of the waffle and keep the rest for ourselves. We should tell god our desires.
Max said that in relationships we should be more than conquerors. He gave the example of the caveman approach to dating and said wouldn't it be simpler if we could go back to this form of dating. He said also it might be easier if the guys were to jump and the guy who jumped highest got his pick of a female and so forth. It might be easier but it is not the way that God intended. He said that one problem he used to have at the Wesley as that the guys would make contests to see who would be the first to date incoming freshmen females. He finally had to make a rule that no guys were allowed to date a freshman girl until after her first semester. Max said that we can't hide our relationships part of our lives from God. Our relationships shouldn't be about who the winner is.
He said that a great conquistador (what we should strive to be) controls their sexual desire. He said that the second command Jesus gives is to love our neighbor as ourselves. He said that if we can't control our sexual desires, problems arise. He said that in failed relationships, we tend to do the same things in our new relationships as we did in our failed relationships. He said that we would feel bad about breakups, but especially so if we used them. He read from 1 Corinthians 3:16 where it talks about our bodies being the temple of God.
Max said the second thing to do to be a great conquistador is no determine not to hurt anyone. He said that sometimes Preachers can be hurting those around them unintentionally. He said that people who go through pain don't want to go through that pain again. He said that when we are hurt we have to pick ourselves up and say "I am a conqueror". More than conquerors keep God first in their live and can worry about dating life later. Some people may be 40 before they get married if that is God's plan. Max mentioned a friend he has named Tim who was 40 before he got married. He said that God has a plan for you.
The third thing Max mentioned is that Conquers are going to learn to love. He said that a conqueror puts others first and their feelings first. Max mentioned that he had roaming lips in college, but not anymore. He said that he has now been married for 30 years. He said that we don't have to kiss every girl we date. He said we should bring God to the dating part of our lives. He said that when we meet the right one all we will be able to think about is marrying that person. Max prays and the band comes back up. We sing "Wholly Yours" and Blessed Be Your Name". The choir comes back up and sings the benediction song: "An Old Irish Blessing” Josh passed out evaluation forms and asked us to fill them out regarding All Campus as far as suggestions and stuff.
They held elections for officers for next year at this time. Then there was a short break and a lot of people went to the bonfire at 9 PM. It was an informal time of hanging out, but we did sing a few songs. Some of the songs sang were: "How Great Is Our God", "God Of Wonders", "Heart Of Worship", "Prince Of Peace", "Your Love Is Extravagant", "Open The Eyes Of My Heart", "Lord I Lift Your Name On High", "Light The Fire", "Trading My Sorrows", "Even More Undignified Than This", "The Happy Song", and "You Alone" After the bonfire everyone came back to the main worship center and hanged out and some went to bed.
All Campus Retreat With Methodist Center Part 4
February 21, 2009
I attended the workshop at 1 PM on Christian Community. David Baggett taught it. He gave us greetings and had us give a quick introduction of yourselves by telling our names, what school we were from, and if we had one last meal to eat before we were to die, what would it be. David said that this workshop was going to be a discussion type class. He asked what community was. Some of the different answers the class offered included common beliefs, similarities, and people who have shared interests. He had a couple of us read from Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 2:18. David asked what distinguished believers and non-believers. One student suggested that it was what they are working toward. We read from Genesis 2:15 and Matthew 28:19-20. David said that these are two different things that we are working for. He asked us to define love. A couple of different suggestions were an action, how your act, how you say things, and a commitment.
David said that you can't really define love without another person or object. He said you also can't define sin without the context of another person. He asked us to define sin and a couple of definitions included separation from God and Self Inflicted Negatively. He asked us to tell him about our faith community. Some students mentioned the Wesley; others mentioned their classes in college. David asked what attracted us to those places. One girl mentioned that she was waiting at the Wesley for someone to come and unlock the BSM. She got to looking around and realized how available and open the Wesley was. A couple of other people said that they came for the food at first. David asked what signs of a healthy or unhealthy Christian community were. Some students said that causing friends to sin was a sign of unhealthy. Another person said that what is the center of that relationship defines what kind of community it is. Nathan (one of the students) said that if the community is trying to force someone to believe what they believe it is an unhealthy community.
David mentioned John Wesley and said that even though his sermons are considered harsh that Wesley never forgot that Jesus loves us in his sermons. It was discussed whether it was ok for Christians to try to use scare tactics to get people into church, such as telling people that they are going to Hell. One person said that it was just a tool. Another person mentioned that God is not a God of fear. We then read from Genesis 2:25-3:13. David asked us why we thought that Eve sinned by eating the fruit. He said that he believed it was because as humans we want what we can't have. The first thing Adam and Eve tried to do when they realized their mistake was to hide from God, but God called Adam out. We read then from Genesis 3:14-24. David mentioned that in verse 21, it could be interpreted as the first time some other blood was shed for our sin. Eve was used to be the mother of humanity or the community. It became necessary for God to separate from us because of sin. David asked how this spoke to us. He said that we have to work hard to get a good Christian community. He said that we can not sin or love without affecting others. He said that Christ should be the center of the Christian community. He mentioned the Sermon on the Mount where Christ said the we are a light on a hill and we are called to be light. When we sin, we try to hide from God, when we should just admit our sin and seek out our Christian community. Nathan closed with prayer and dismissed us.
I attended the workshop at 1 PM on Christian Community. David Baggett taught it. He gave us greetings and had us give a quick introduction of yourselves by telling our names, what school we were from, and if we had one last meal to eat before we were to die, what would it be. David said that this workshop was going to be a discussion type class. He asked what community was. Some of the different answers the class offered included common beliefs, similarities, and people who have shared interests. He had a couple of us read from Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 2:18. David asked what distinguished believers and non-believers. One student suggested that it was what they are working toward. We read from Genesis 2:15 and Matthew 28:19-20. David said that these are two different things that we are working for. He asked us to define love. A couple of different suggestions were an action, how your act, how you say things, and a commitment.
David said that you can't really define love without another person or object. He said you also can't define sin without the context of another person. He asked us to define sin and a couple of definitions included separation from God and Self Inflicted Negatively. He asked us to tell him about our faith community. Some students mentioned the Wesley; others mentioned their classes in college. David asked what attracted us to those places. One girl mentioned that she was waiting at the Wesley for someone to come and unlock the BSM. She got to looking around and realized how available and open the Wesley was. A couple of other people said that they came for the food at first. David asked what signs of a healthy or unhealthy Christian community were. Some students said that causing friends to sin was a sign of unhealthy. Another person said that what is the center of that relationship defines what kind of community it is. Nathan (one of the students) said that if the community is trying to force someone to believe what they believe it is an unhealthy community.
David mentioned John Wesley and said that even though his sermons are considered harsh that Wesley never forgot that Jesus loves us in his sermons. It was discussed whether it was ok for Christians to try to use scare tactics to get people into church, such as telling people that they are going to Hell. One person said that it was just a tool. Another person mentioned that God is not a God of fear. We then read from Genesis 2:25-3:13. David asked us why we thought that Eve sinned by eating the fruit. He said that he believed it was because as humans we want what we can't have. The first thing Adam and Eve tried to do when they realized their mistake was to hide from God, but God called Adam out. We read then from Genesis 3:14-24. David mentioned that in verse 21, it could be interpreted as the first time some other blood was shed for our sin. Eve was used to be the mother of humanity or the community. It became necessary for God to separate from us because of sin. David asked how this spoke to us. He said that we have to work hard to get a good Christian community. He said that we can not sin or love without affecting others. He said that Christ should be the center of the Christian community. He mentioned the Sermon on the Mount where Christ said the we are a light on a hill and we are called to be light. When we sin, we try to hide from God, when we should just admit our sin and seek out our Christian community. Nathan closed with prayer and dismissed us.
All Campus Retreat With Methodist Center Part 2
February 21, 2009
Worship started at 9 AM and the Tyler group lead worship. Brad (leader of the band) said good morning to everyone. They sang "I Will Boast". Then Josh made announcements about the workshops offered at 11 AM and 1 PM. He said that lunch would be in the cafeteria and there would be free time after the second workshop. The workshops offered included: How To Find A Church – by Tom Teekell, Christian Community – by David Baggett, Called To Ministry – by Dan Conway, Christian Ways To Date: Go Our and Break Up! - By Max Mertz, How To Love Difficult People – by Max Adams, and "Inside the Male Mind" – by Tom Teekell. Josh led the prayer and Ben West (speaker) read from Proverbs 17:17. We sang "I Am Free" and "Better Is One Day". Peter and Brad (two Tyler group guys in the band) put on a skit. Ben read from 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 and we sang "We Are Yours" and "How Great Is Our God". Brad prayed for Ben's message and Ben spoke.
Ben said that he liked what Kalamba said last night and he would like to start there with "I am the LORD your God." Ben tells everyone who he is, that he used to attend SFA and is now an associate pastor at Tyler. He tells everyone that he is married and has a cat and a dog. He has everyone play a game where he rings a dong and everyone has to find someone they don't know from another school and talk to them and find out who they are and stuff. I met a girl named Danielle who was from A&M. Ben read from John 15:12-15. He said that friendship is something we long for. Jesus himself called his disciples friends. Back in the Old Testament, David is friends with Jonathan even though Jonathan knows that he will someday lose his birthright to be king to David. God's command to Jonathan is to love David. David puts his life into Jonathan’s hands time and time again. Paul talks about friends a lot in his letters. Ben said that he had a few ideas for how to keep in track with close friendships and relationships.
Ben said that the most important thing is to make God the most important factor in our friendships and relationships. If God is the center we can become stronger in Christ. The Apostles and Disciples were always together and never by their selves. Ben said the second important thing was to be open with one another in our friendships. He said that if we are able to share, then everything between friends is understood. He said to be careful about going to complete strangers and sharing all your intimate details. When the time comes for encouragement, when times are tough, when things are messed up your friends are there for you. Friends should never put a stumbling block in front of friends. If your friend is an alcoholic, you shouldn't get drunk with them. If they have a pornography issue, you shouldn't watch American Pie with them. Ben talks about the story of the paralyzed man in the Bible whose friends lower him through the ceiling to see Jesus. Jesus sees their faith as a group of friends. These are the kind of people that we need to surround ourselves with. If your close friends are not Christians then who will lift you up or hold you accountable.
Ben told the story of when he started at SFA his freshman year and his first real friend would get drunk and liked to party hard. He would be too hung over to help people move into the dorms. He was a nice guy toward Ben and loaned Ben his laptop and desktop computers, paper and ink, but he liked to party. His roommate at the time (Mike) came up to Ben when he first met him and told him straight up that he was not a Christian. Ben said that his friendship with Mike compromised all his Christian values that he had strived for growing up. Ben had not yet made his way to a church so Mike was the only friend he had. Ben said also though that we shouldn't burn all our relationships with non-believers, but that we should have our closest friendships with believers. One of God's greatest gifts is friendships.
Ben said that if we are trying to find good friends we should look for the following traits. 1. They should be kind and generous and most importantly a Christian. We should find a Christian Community for fellowship. 2. It helps to have similar interests. 3. We should keep God at the center of it. Ben closed by saying that God is the LORD Almighty. The Tyler band came back up and we sang "Inside Out". Ben led the closing prayer. We had a Jam song which was "Pharaoh Pharaoh" and had an hour break before workshops.
Worship started at 9 AM and the Tyler group lead worship. Brad (leader of the band) said good morning to everyone. They sang "I Will Boast". Then Josh made announcements about the workshops offered at 11 AM and 1 PM. He said that lunch would be in the cafeteria and there would be free time after the second workshop. The workshops offered included: How To Find A Church – by Tom Teekell, Christian Community – by David Baggett, Called To Ministry – by Dan Conway, Christian Ways To Date: Go Our and Break Up! - By Max Mertz, How To Love Difficult People – by Max Adams, and "Inside the Male Mind" – by Tom Teekell. Josh led the prayer and Ben West (speaker) read from Proverbs 17:17. We sang "I Am Free" and "Better Is One Day". Peter and Brad (two Tyler group guys in the band) put on a skit. Ben read from 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 and we sang "We Are Yours" and "How Great Is Our God". Brad prayed for Ben's message and Ben spoke.
Ben said that he liked what Kalamba said last night and he would like to start there with "I am the LORD your God." Ben tells everyone who he is, that he used to attend SFA and is now an associate pastor at Tyler. He tells everyone that he is married and has a cat and a dog. He has everyone play a game where he rings a dong and everyone has to find someone they don't know from another school and talk to them and find out who they are and stuff. I met a girl named Danielle who was from A&M. Ben read from John 15:12-15. He said that friendship is something we long for. Jesus himself called his disciples friends. Back in the Old Testament, David is friends with Jonathan even though Jonathan knows that he will someday lose his birthright to be king to David. God's command to Jonathan is to love David. David puts his life into Jonathan’s hands time and time again. Paul talks about friends a lot in his letters. Ben said that he had a few ideas for how to keep in track with close friendships and relationships.
Ben said that the most important thing is to make God the most important factor in our friendships and relationships. If God is the center we can become stronger in Christ. The Apostles and Disciples were always together and never by their selves. Ben said the second important thing was to be open with one another in our friendships. He said that if we are able to share, then everything between friends is understood. He said to be careful about going to complete strangers and sharing all your intimate details. When the time comes for encouragement, when times are tough, when things are messed up your friends are there for you. Friends should never put a stumbling block in front of friends. If your friend is an alcoholic, you shouldn't get drunk with them. If they have a pornography issue, you shouldn't watch American Pie with them. Ben talks about the story of the paralyzed man in the Bible whose friends lower him through the ceiling to see Jesus. Jesus sees their faith as a group of friends. These are the kind of people that we need to surround ourselves with. If your close friends are not Christians then who will lift you up or hold you accountable.
Ben told the story of when he started at SFA his freshman year and his first real friend would get drunk and liked to party hard. He would be too hung over to help people move into the dorms. He was a nice guy toward Ben and loaned Ben his laptop and desktop computers, paper and ink, but he liked to party. His roommate at the time (Mike) came up to Ben when he first met him and told him straight up that he was not a Christian. Ben said that his friendship with Mike compromised all his Christian values that he had strived for growing up. Ben had not yet made his way to a church so Mike was the only friend he had. Ben said also though that we shouldn't burn all our relationships with non-believers, but that we should have our closest friendships with believers. One of God's greatest gifts is friendships.
Ben said that if we are trying to find good friends we should look for the following traits. 1. They should be kind and generous and most importantly a Christian. We should find a Christian Community for fellowship. 2. It helps to have similar interests. 3. We should keep God at the center of it. Ben closed by saying that God is the LORD Almighty. The Tyler band came back up and we sang "Inside Out". Ben led the closing prayer. We had a Jam song which was "Pharaoh Pharaoh" and had an hour break before workshops.
All Campus Retreat With Methodist Center Part 3
February 21, 2009
At 11 AM, I went to the workshop on Called to Ministry. Dan (the minister over the workshop) said that he would keep it informal. He said that in the bulletins at the church he grew up in, the preacher always would put in the back of the bulletin the names of all the people who helped. One of the things the preacher would put in the back of the bulletin under ministers was everyone. Dan said that he wanted to increase our awareness for diverse opportunities when it came to Ministry. He said that if people don’t know what function they are supposed to serve, he had some material available that could help them possible figure it out. The first question Dan said we should ask if considering full time ministry is "Have I thought about this?" The second step if you feel you are called is to go tell your pastor. Dan said that the first conversation we have is spiritual. The pastor can then guide you in where to go from there. He said the goal of this workshop was not to recruit people to become ministers but to help them find God's calling in their lives.
Dan said that pastors are around Christians a lot, so if somebody's passion was to share Christ with non-believers this may not be their calling. He had us all introduce ourselves by saying our names, colleges we were from, and why we chose this class to attend. After we do this the thanked everyone. He asked if we thought that pastoring is some high calling. One student (BJ from Sam Houston) commented that if someone is a certified forklift driver and have an accident, they are held more accountable for it than someone who is just goofing around and has and accident. The point being that pastors are held more accountable than other Christians. Dan mentioned Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12:29. He said that God has not made us all the same. We all have spiritual gifts. Pastors can give you resources and tools if you are confused as to God's calling in your lives. Dan mentions a couple of books that would be useful in this area. One of which is "Answering God's Call for Your Life" – by Robert Roth. Another book is "Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation" – by William C. Placher. Another book is "The Call – Finding And Fulfilling The Central Purpose Of Your Life". Yet another is "The Call to Servant Leadership – Biblical Reflections" by Simon Parker.
Dan mentioned how army commercials always make the army look so great, when in actually there is a lot of work involved. The same is true with ministry. Like the army, there are people shooting at you figuratively in the church. Dan says that church ministry is awesome and that the pastor will give you a book if you are interested in preaching in the Methodist church. He said that being a pastor is only one of the options available for ministry. He said that it is ok to do a ministry inquiry process. He mentions some other great ministries available including public schools and movie making. He mentions that he is going to show a video showing people whom God called and how it has affected them. Josh said that we should not neglect where we are now and the opportunities available to us where we are. He said that the process involved in becoming a pastor shouldn’t discourage us and that it is there to help not hurt. The video is shown and a couple of things mentioned in the video is that youth can be an asset in ministry, one person was encouraged to become a pastor, pastors are birthed, and one person said that it was a culture of calling.
Dan said that there are many places in the Bible where people are called. He gave us a list of some of them which include the following: Abraham – Genesis 12, Deborah – Judges 4:4-22, Hanna and Samuel – 1 Samuel 1, Elijah – 1 Kings 17:1, Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1:1-19, and Isaiah – Isaiah 6. Dan said that we have options to test our callings. He said that for two years he went to Michigan. He anteed an All Campus type of event and the pastor lead him and others through a guided prayer. He told them to imagine that they were in a movie theatre and what is on the screen is what God wants them to do with their life. Dan took this experience and ended up on a mission trip to Africa, seminary for three years, and finally on a mission trip to India before the picture became clear to him where God wanted him. Dan said that we want to know what is ahead ten steps from know but God wants us to just focus on the 1st step. He said that the time we seek God the most is when we are confused.
Dan went on to talk about other Bible callings which included: Paul – Acts 9, Mary – Luke 1, Timothy – 2 Timothy 3:10, and Nicodemus – John 3:1. Dan prayed for us and we were dismissed.
At 11 AM, I went to the workshop on Called to Ministry. Dan (the minister over the workshop) said that he would keep it informal. He said that in the bulletins at the church he grew up in, the preacher always would put in the back of the bulletin the names of all the people who helped. One of the things the preacher would put in the back of the bulletin under ministers was everyone. Dan said that he wanted to increase our awareness for diverse opportunities when it came to Ministry. He said that if people don’t know what function they are supposed to serve, he had some material available that could help them possible figure it out. The first question Dan said we should ask if considering full time ministry is "Have I thought about this?" The second step if you feel you are called is to go tell your pastor. Dan said that the first conversation we have is spiritual. The pastor can then guide you in where to go from there. He said the goal of this workshop was not to recruit people to become ministers but to help them find God's calling in their lives.
Dan said that pastors are around Christians a lot, so if somebody's passion was to share Christ with non-believers this may not be their calling. He had us all introduce ourselves by saying our names, colleges we were from, and why we chose this class to attend. After we do this the thanked everyone. He asked if we thought that pastoring is some high calling. One student (BJ from Sam Houston) commented that if someone is a certified forklift driver and have an accident, they are held more accountable for it than someone who is just goofing around and has and accident. The point being that pastors are held more accountable than other Christians. Dan mentioned Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12:29. He said that God has not made us all the same. We all have spiritual gifts. Pastors can give you resources and tools if you are confused as to God's calling in your lives. Dan mentions a couple of books that would be useful in this area. One of which is "Answering God's Call for Your Life" – by Robert Roth. Another book is "Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation" – by William C. Placher. Another book is "The Call – Finding And Fulfilling The Central Purpose Of Your Life". Yet another is "The Call to Servant Leadership – Biblical Reflections" by Simon Parker.
Dan mentioned how army commercials always make the army look so great, when in actually there is a lot of work involved. The same is true with ministry. Like the army, there are people shooting at you figuratively in the church. Dan says that church ministry is awesome and that the pastor will give you a book if you are interested in preaching in the Methodist church. He said that being a pastor is only one of the options available for ministry. He said that it is ok to do a ministry inquiry process. He mentions some other great ministries available including public schools and movie making. He mentions that he is going to show a video showing people whom God called and how it has affected them. Josh said that we should not neglect where we are now and the opportunities available to us where we are. He said that the process involved in becoming a pastor shouldn’t discourage us and that it is there to help not hurt. The video is shown and a couple of things mentioned in the video is that youth can be an asset in ministry, one person was encouraged to become a pastor, pastors are birthed, and one person said that it was a culture of calling.
Dan said that there are many places in the Bible where people are called. He gave us a list of some of them which include the following: Abraham – Genesis 12, Deborah – Judges 4:4-22, Hanna and Samuel – 1 Samuel 1, Elijah – 1 Kings 17:1, Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1:1-19, and Isaiah – Isaiah 6. Dan said that we have options to test our callings. He said that for two years he went to Michigan. He anteed an All Campus type of event and the pastor lead him and others through a guided prayer. He told them to imagine that they were in a movie theatre and what is on the screen is what God wants them to do with their life. Dan took this experience and ended up on a mission trip to Africa, seminary for three years, and finally on a mission trip to India before the picture became clear to him where God wanted him. Dan said that we want to know what is ahead ten steps from know but God wants us to just focus on the 1st step. He said that the time we seek God the most is when we are confused.
Dan went on to talk about other Bible callings which included: Paul – Acts 9, Mary – Luke 1, Timothy – 2 Timothy 3:10, and Nicodemus – John 3:1. Dan prayed for us and we were dismissed.
Friday, February 20, 2009
All Campus Retreat With Methodist Center Part 1
February 20, 2009
Check in for the conference was at 7 PM with worship scheduled to start at 8 PM. The colleges that attended All Campus were: Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Lamar, Praireview, and Tyler. The actual worship started at 9:25. Josh (the director of the event) gave his introductions and then Hearts of Fire (SFA worship band) played the worship songs. The songs played included: "All I Need", "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", "All In All" and "The Heart of Worship". Kelsey (SFA student in Hearts) gave the prayer for the speaker. The speaker was the pastor from praireview (Kalamba). He said that he was glad to be here and glad that we are here. He said that we are here to spend time with God, others, and ourselves. He said that relationships was the theme of this weekend. He talked about the Ten Commandments and said that he believes the 6th was a very important one. Exodus 20:12 contains the 6th commandment which is to honor your mother and father. He said that this is the only commandment with a promise. Kalamba said that he wanted us to reflect on the words: "I am the LORD your God" this weekend. He said that if we remember nothing else from this weekend to remember those words. Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was he said to love the Lord your God with all your heart and the second was to love your neighbor as yourself.
Kalamba asked where we begin our relationships. He said that it starts with family. We are conceived in our mother's womb. Even then God is saying "I am the LORD your God." All the way from here until we are old and retired, God is saying these words no matter where we are. So our relationships start while we are in our mother’s wombs. Relationships are formed between you and your mother and father when you are born. He says that mothers give commandments to their children when their children enter college. Every parent sits down and talks with their children and gives advice. He asked how our relationships with our parents were. If everything is not working out in this relationship then everything in our other relationships will not work out the way they should. He mentions that one girl at Praireview asked him if he would be her adopted father while she was in college. He mentioned that when his biological daughter texts him he better look. He said that the relationship is so important between children and their parents. He said that if our relationship with our parents is broken, he prays that we will fix it when we return.
Relationships start in the home. The kind of relationship you have in the home you will bring into other relationships. If you have no mother or father there to help you, remember God is there and will never disappoint you. Parents always tell necessary stuff to their children such as to clean their room, etc. Kalamba said that eating the meal at the table has been neglected. This is an important time of building a relationship with your family. He always makes sure that when his children come home that they all have supper together at the table. He says that we should respect and honor our parents and that God says that he is our friend, mother, father, brother, and our everything. He said that we are here to get serious about our faith. He said that on our journey that we should always remember the words, "I am the LORD your God." Kalamba asked "finally, how is your relationship with yourself. He said that as he closed he wants us to reflect on that phrase: "I am the LORD your God." He prayed for us and Hearts of Fire came back up. They sang "Shout to the Lord". They also sang a jam song, which was "No One like you". Josh thanked Kalamba and Hearts of Fire and said that we were dismissed for the night. Everyone hanged out after that until people started drifting off to their rooms for bed. One room was set up and designated for a prayer room.
Check in for the conference was at 7 PM with worship scheduled to start at 8 PM. The colleges that attended All Campus were: Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Lamar, Praireview, and Tyler. The actual worship started at 9:25. Josh (the director of the event) gave his introductions and then Hearts of Fire (SFA worship band) played the worship songs. The songs played included: "All I Need", "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", "All In All" and "The Heart of Worship". Kelsey (SFA student in Hearts) gave the prayer for the speaker. The speaker was the pastor from praireview (Kalamba). He said that he was glad to be here and glad that we are here. He said that we are here to spend time with God, others, and ourselves. He said that relationships was the theme of this weekend. He talked about the Ten Commandments and said that he believes the 6th was a very important one. Exodus 20:12 contains the 6th commandment which is to honor your mother and father. He said that this is the only commandment with a promise. Kalamba said that he wanted us to reflect on the words: "I am the LORD your God" this weekend. He said that if we remember nothing else from this weekend to remember those words. Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was he said to love the Lord your God with all your heart and the second was to love your neighbor as yourself.
Kalamba asked where we begin our relationships. He said that it starts with family. We are conceived in our mother's womb. Even then God is saying "I am the LORD your God." All the way from here until we are old and retired, God is saying these words no matter where we are. So our relationships start while we are in our mother’s wombs. Relationships are formed between you and your mother and father when you are born. He says that mothers give commandments to their children when their children enter college. Every parent sits down and talks with their children and gives advice. He asked how our relationships with our parents were. If everything is not working out in this relationship then everything in our other relationships will not work out the way they should. He mentions that one girl at Praireview asked him if he would be her adopted father while she was in college. He mentioned that when his biological daughter texts him he better look. He said that the relationship is so important between children and their parents. He said that if our relationship with our parents is broken, he prays that we will fix it when we return.
Relationships start in the home. The kind of relationship you have in the home you will bring into other relationships. If you have no mother or father there to help you, remember God is there and will never disappoint you. Parents always tell necessary stuff to their children such as to clean their room, etc. Kalamba said that eating the meal at the table has been neglected. This is an important time of building a relationship with your family. He always makes sure that when his children come home that they all have supper together at the table. He says that we should respect and honor our parents and that God says that he is our friend, mother, father, brother, and our everything. He said that we are here to get serious about our faith. He said that on our journey that we should always remember the words, "I am the LORD your God." Kalamba asked "finally, how is your relationship with yourself. He said that as he closed he wants us to reflect on that phrase: "I am the LORD your God." He prayed for us and Hearts of Fire came back up. They sang "Shout to the Lord". They also sang a jam song, which was "No One like you". Josh thanked Kalamba and Hearts of Fire and said that we were dismissed for the night. Everyone hanged out after that until people started drifting off to their rooms for bed. One room was set up and designated for a prayer room.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Godtel Service With The Yellow House
February 16, 2009
Service began at 7:00 PM. Scotty gave the introductions and thanked them for allowing us to come. I have the opening prayer. Kenley lead the singing first with "Pierce My Ear" and "Just A Little Talk With Jesus!". David Robinson then lead singing with "Hear O Israel" and "Hide Me Away, O LORD". David Peirce lead singing next with "He's The LORD Of The Sky", "Unto Thee, O LORD", and "Kumbayah". Scotty talks about how David Robinson just got back recently from Iraq and he is back taking classes at Stephen F. Austin State University. Matt Perkins brought the message and said it was from John 8:1-11. He said that this lady was caught in adultry. Matt gives us an idea of how it might have played out. He said the lady might have been crying out, they were shouting out vile names at her, their voices cold with frozen hearths. She might have been trembling at her shame. Jesus saw the accusers hearts, that they had no pity. They were apointing theirselves judges. They brought this lady to Jesus as a vindictive after thought. They thought that they were puting Jesus into a stituation where he could not win. If he condemned the lady then he would be going against Roman authority. If he let the girl go then he went against Moses law.
They tried to draw Jesus into a trap. Jesus knew their thoughts and he saw their "yesterdays" of their hearts. When he is writing in the sand, he is perhaps writing murderer, adulterer, or other sins the accussers may have committed. The lady makes no excuses for herself. Jesus looked beyond the physical and he saw her heart. He did not absolve her from her blame but from her guilt. He forgives her. We don't know what Jesus wrote on the ground and it is really not important in the grand scheme of things. Matt said that John 8:9 implies that they may have goten the answer whether to stone or not from their own conciouses. Jesus taught the concept of mercy and to remove the plank from our own eye before trying to remove something from someone else's. He reads Matthew 5:7 which says that blessed are the merciful. Matt said that we can see the hope that Jesus gave this lady. Jesus had freed her from the penalty of sin and let her know that he believed in her. Matt said that Jesus offers the same hope to us today. We suffer from sins of the heart, mind, disposition, and flesh. We too can be forgiven just like this lady because the blood of christ cleanses us from our sins. Matt prayed and we were dismissed. Afterwards I talked with a young man named Gerald who waid that he was seeking a job at Kroger's and was recovering from drug problems. I told him that I would keep him in my prayers.
Service began at 7:00 PM. Scotty gave the introductions and thanked them for allowing us to come. I have the opening prayer. Kenley lead the singing first with "Pierce My Ear" and "Just A Little Talk With Jesus!". David Robinson then lead singing with "Hear O Israel" and "Hide Me Away, O LORD". David Peirce lead singing next with "He's The LORD Of The Sky", "Unto Thee, O LORD", and "Kumbayah". Scotty talks about how David Robinson just got back recently from Iraq and he is back taking classes at Stephen F. Austin State University. Matt Perkins brought the message and said it was from John 8:1-11. He said that this lady was caught in adultry. Matt gives us an idea of how it might have played out. He said the lady might have been crying out, they were shouting out vile names at her, their voices cold with frozen hearths. She might have been trembling at her shame. Jesus saw the accusers hearts, that they had no pity. They were apointing theirselves judges. They brought this lady to Jesus as a vindictive after thought. They thought that they were puting Jesus into a stituation where he could not win. If he condemned the lady then he would be going against Roman authority. If he let the girl go then he went against Moses law.
They tried to draw Jesus into a trap. Jesus knew their thoughts and he saw their "yesterdays" of their hearts. When he is writing in the sand, he is perhaps writing murderer, adulterer, or other sins the accussers may have committed. The lady makes no excuses for herself. Jesus looked beyond the physical and he saw her heart. He did not absolve her from her blame but from her guilt. He forgives her. We don't know what Jesus wrote on the ground and it is really not important in the grand scheme of things. Matt said that John 8:9 implies that they may have goten the answer whether to stone or not from their own conciouses. Jesus taught the concept of mercy and to remove the plank from our own eye before trying to remove something from someone else's. He reads Matthew 5:7 which says that blessed are the merciful. Matt said that we can see the hope that Jesus gave this lady. Jesus had freed her from the penalty of sin and let her know that he believed in her. Matt said that Jesus offers the same hope to us today. We suffer from sins of the heart, mind, disposition, and flesh. We too can be forgiven just like this lady because the blood of christ cleanses us from our sins. Matt prayed and we were dismissed. Afterwards I talked with a young man named Gerald who waid that he was seeking a job at Kroger's and was recovering from drug problems. I told him that I would keep him in my prayers.
Wesley Lunch
February 16, 2009
I atended lunch at the Methodist Student Center today. It started by singing the Wesley Grace before lunch at noon. The Wesley Grace is as follows: Be present at our table, Lord; be here and everywhere adored; thy creatures bless, and grant that we may feast in fellowship with thee.
At 12:24 Chris made anouncments. He talked about Winter work projects and how you experience many moments you remember. He remembered food for fifty people being prepared by four people. He remembered interacting with a man that asked crazy questions. He remembered breaking down drywall the previous year and wearing masks were they couldn't talk to each other while working on one project and having to communicate non-verbally. He remembered having some incident with restrooms where he kept being told that he needed to use a different restroom. He said that all of this helped remind him of how good he has it here at the Wesley and at SFA. He asked if anyone had any joys or concerns and then closed with a prayer.
I atended lunch at the Methodist Student Center today. It started by singing the Wesley Grace before lunch at noon. The Wesley Grace is as follows: Be present at our table, Lord; be here and everywhere adored; thy creatures bless, and grant that we may feast in fellowship with thee.
At 12:24 Chris made anouncments. He talked about Winter work projects and how you experience many moments you remember. He remembered food for fifty people being prepared by four people. He remembered interacting with a man that asked crazy questions. He remembered breaking down drywall the previous year and wearing masks were they couldn't talk to each other while working on one project and having to communicate non-verbally. He remembered having some incident with restrooms where he kept being told that he needed to use a different restroom. He said that all of this helped remind him of how good he has it here at the Wesley and at SFA. He asked if anyone had any joys or concerns and then closed with a prayer.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Woodland Christian Church Valentine's Banquet
February 15, 2009
Roy opened up with comments and prayer. Music was playing in the background before the program started at 5:45. There was dinner and fellowship. Larry sang the song "The Call". Next Kristen and Mark did a skit which was supposed to be Adam and Eve's first fight. Kristen thanked everyone for coming and played a video from the VBS video (song "I Will Not Be Afraid"). The entire purpose of the dinner was to raise money for VBS. Tammy and Teresa do a skit where they talk about valentine's day and sing a song called "The Things We Do For Love". Larry said a few words and said that after he sings his next song he would ask for applause. He sang a song called "Pray For The Fish". He then asked for applause and Roy Platt came out dressed up. He put on a skit in which he was Brother Watkins. It was funny. Then Larry sang another song called "The Lighthouse". Roy thanked everyone for coming and said that the empty table would be used for offerings to help with VBS. Butch Trala gave the closing prayer.
Roy opened up with comments and prayer. Music was playing in the background before the program started at 5:45. There was dinner and fellowship. Larry sang the song "The Call". Next Kristen and Mark did a skit which was supposed to be Adam and Eve's first fight. Kristen thanked everyone for coming and played a video from the VBS video (song "I Will Not Be Afraid"). The entire purpose of the dinner was to raise money for VBS. Tammy and Teresa do a skit where they talk about valentine's day and sing a song called "The Things We Do For Love". Larry said a few words and said that after he sings his next song he would ask for applause. He sang a song called "Pray For The Fish". He then asked for applause and Roy Platt came out dressed up. He put on a skit in which he was Brother Watkins. It was funny. Then Larry sang another song called "The Lighthouse". Roy thanked everyone for coming and said that the empty table would be used for offerings to help with VBS. Butch Trala gave the closing prayer.
Woodland Christian Church
February 15, 2009
I attended Woodland Christian Church in Timpson this morning. This has been my “home church” for 11 years now. The service started at 10:45 AM. Melodious music was playing before the service. Roy Platt (the preacher) said “Good morning” to everyone. He then made announcements about Vacation Bible School preparations. He said that if anyone had any updates to the prayer circle to contact Kimberlee, and he had the men of the church come forward for an announcement. They said that they are in the process of trying to choose elders for the church and for everyone to be in prayer for this.
We had the opening prayer. Then we sang: Oh the Glory of His Presence. Mr. Green led us in another prayer at this point. Next we had our weekly greetings. On the overhead screen, it said “Greet somebody you haven't greeted”. Next a segment was played from the VBS video. The VBS this year is titled Crocodile Dock and will be from July 6-10. Chris and Kristen put on a skit for VBS next. Then it was time for Children's Story Time. The small children of the church came forward and Roy read the story of David and Goliath. He ended it with the first part of Psalm 23 on the screen. “The Lord is my shepherd”.
Next we had a special by Larry Hicks. He sang: One of the days I cross that river to my home on the other side and I will be with Jesus forever, no more tears will fill my eyes). We than began worship. We sang “Just Over In The Glory Land”. Bill speaks and says that we are looking forward to and excited about Jesus coming back. We then sang “In Moments like these.” Bill asked us: “How many of you told your spouse that you loved them yesterday? How many of you told Jesus that you loved him?” We than sang “Lord, Be Glorified. Bill said that we are here to Glorify God and we should tell him how much we adore him. We than sang “Father, I Adore You” and “Kindness-Open Up The Skies Of Mercy.” Bill prayed and thanked God and told him we loved him.
We had communion meditation next by Butch Trala. Elizabeth Burns (his granddaughter) came forth and read James 4:1-4. Butch drew a diagram for us that had God and the world on a line with a big gap between them. He wrote Christ next to God and had a line going from God to Christ to the world. Butch said that blood represents death and that the shedding of blood represents the death of the body. Next we sang “Fill My Cup Lord” George Weaver gave the communion prayer and we took communion. While we were taking communion, the song “Holy, Holy, Holy” was playing in the background. This was an instrumental version. Stephen Amos gave the offering prayer and they passed the collection plate. Next was Roy Platt (the minister). Roy said that we are electing elders because it is the right thing to do. He said that he will be giving a lesson series over the next 4 weeks over elders. He said that having elders in the church makes us better Christians. He also encouraged everyone to help with vacation Bible School.
Roy's sermon was about whom you can trust. He started out by reading 2 Peter 1:16-21. He said that these verses are reiterating what happened at the transfiguration. Moses and Elijah were standing with Jesus (the living word). God's voice came from heaven and said “This is my son” referring to Jesus. When he said that it means we shouldn't listen to anyone else. Roy read again verse 19: “You will do well to pay attention” and said that we should underline it in our Bibles. He said that these guys didn't just make all this up. He asked, “Who can you trust?” Roy said that trust is an emotional world. He asked if we can trust the government. He said that we can not throw all of our trust into government. Government can't pay all of their taxes. He asked if we could trust financial companies. No, we can't even trust our own money. Can we trust our employers? Roy talked about how he used to work at Pepsi and was on time everyday and never called in, yet he was let go. He asked if we could trust our friends and referred to Psalm 38:11.
He asked if we can trust our family members. Sometimes growing up he would do bad things and his mom would say that she was disappointed in him. He said that Proverbs has a lot of advice about family. He asked if we can trust in our health. He said we can't trust it because we can be healthy and all of a sudden sick. He read Psalm 60:11 next. Roy said that God's word can be trusted. He quoted Psalm 118:6-7 and Proverbs 10:3. He said that we can trust God because God does not lie. He said that we must go through Jesus Christ to get to God. He quoted Matthew 24:35 and Isiah 40:8. Roy said that we can trust God. When Jesus comes we will be absolutly astounded by how he comes. Roy said that there is nothing on this Earth we can trust like we can trust God. He said the best remedy for hard times as well as any time is to begin the habit of trusting God for everything now. Roy said that he measure of someboy's worth is not how much money they have in their portfolio. He said the book of James says not to show favortism because someone has more. He said for us not to trust in what we can do but to trust in God. He said that we are in the process of setting aside men we can trust and lead us into a higher calling.
We sang the song of invitation next which was: Near The Cross. Roy said "Thank you for your attendace and attention today" and dismissed us. We had a closing prayer by Tom Amos and sang the song "Revive Us Again".
I attended Woodland Christian Church in Timpson this morning. This has been my “home church” for 11 years now. The service started at 10:45 AM. Melodious music was playing before the service. Roy Platt (the preacher) said “Good morning” to everyone. He then made announcements about Vacation Bible School preparations. He said that if anyone had any updates to the prayer circle to contact Kimberlee, and he had the men of the church come forward for an announcement. They said that they are in the process of trying to choose elders for the church and for everyone to be in prayer for this.
We had the opening prayer. Then we sang: Oh the Glory of His Presence. Mr. Green led us in another prayer at this point. Next we had our weekly greetings. On the overhead screen, it said “Greet somebody you haven't greeted”. Next a segment was played from the VBS video. The VBS this year is titled Crocodile Dock and will be from July 6-10. Chris and Kristen put on a skit for VBS next. Then it was time for Children's Story Time. The small children of the church came forward and Roy read the story of David and Goliath. He ended it with the first part of Psalm 23 on the screen. “The Lord is my shepherd”.
Next we had a special by Larry Hicks. He sang: One of the days I cross that river to my home on the other side and I will be with Jesus forever, no more tears will fill my eyes). We than began worship. We sang “Just Over In The Glory Land”. Bill speaks and says that we are looking forward to and excited about Jesus coming back. We then sang “In Moments like these.” Bill asked us: “How many of you told your spouse that you loved them yesterday? How many of you told Jesus that you loved him?” We than sang “Lord, Be Glorified. Bill said that we are here to Glorify God and we should tell him how much we adore him. We than sang “Father, I Adore You” and “Kindness-Open Up The Skies Of Mercy.” Bill prayed and thanked God and told him we loved him.
We had communion meditation next by Butch Trala. Elizabeth Burns (his granddaughter) came forth and read James 4:1-4. Butch drew a diagram for us that had God and the world on a line with a big gap between them. He wrote Christ next to God and had a line going from God to Christ to the world. Butch said that blood represents death and that the shedding of blood represents the death of the body. Next we sang “Fill My Cup Lord” George Weaver gave the communion prayer and we took communion. While we were taking communion, the song “Holy, Holy, Holy” was playing in the background. This was an instrumental version. Stephen Amos gave the offering prayer and they passed the collection plate. Next was Roy Platt (the minister). Roy said that we are electing elders because it is the right thing to do. He said that he will be giving a lesson series over the next 4 weeks over elders. He said that having elders in the church makes us better Christians. He also encouraged everyone to help with vacation Bible School.
Roy's sermon was about whom you can trust. He started out by reading 2 Peter 1:16-21. He said that these verses are reiterating what happened at the transfiguration. Moses and Elijah were standing with Jesus (the living word). God's voice came from heaven and said “This is my son” referring to Jesus. When he said that it means we shouldn't listen to anyone else. Roy read again verse 19: “You will do well to pay attention” and said that we should underline it in our Bibles. He said that these guys didn't just make all this up. He asked, “Who can you trust?” Roy said that trust is an emotional world. He asked if we can trust the government. He said that we can not throw all of our trust into government. Government can't pay all of their taxes. He asked if we could trust financial companies. No, we can't even trust our own money. Can we trust our employers? Roy talked about how he used to work at Pepsi and was on time everyday and never called in, yet he was let go. He asked if we could trust our friends and referred to Psalm 38:11.
He asked if we can trust our family members. Sometimes growing up he would do bad things and his mom would say that she was disappointed in him. He said that Proverbs has a lot of advice about family. He asked if we can trust in our health. He said we can't trust it because we can be healthy and all of a sudden sick. He read Psalm 60:11 next. Roy said that God's word can be trusted. He quoted Psalm 118:6-7 and Proverbs 10:3. He said that we can trust God because God does not lie. He said that we must go through Jesus Christ to get to God. He quoted Matthew 24:35 and Isiah 40:8. Roy said that we can trust God. When Jesus comes we will be absolutly astounded by how he comes. Roy said that there is nothing on this Earth we can trust like we can trust God. He said the best remedy for hard times as well as any time is to begin the habit of trusting God for everything now. Roy said that he measure of someboy's worth is not how much money they have in their portfolio. He said the book of James says not to show favortism because someone has more. He said for us not to trust in what we can do but to trust in God. He said that we are in the process of setting aside men we can trust and lead us into a higher calling.
We sang the song of invitation next which was: Near The Cross. Roy said "Thank you for your attendace and attention today" and dismissed us. We had a closing prayer by Tom Amos and sang the song "Revive Us Again".
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Great Escape
Wednesday February 11, 2009
This is a weekly event that takes place at First Baptist Church during the school semesters in fall and spring. Peoples of all denominations are welcome to come. While waiting for great escape, advertisements were shown over the overhead projectors. Among them was an anouncement for thursday nights for free cofee at an event called the blend that happens every thursday during the school semesters. There is sometimes a live band at 10 PM as well. This takes place in the back of the church in the basement. Other anouncements included that volunteers are needed to help breakdown equipment after Great Escape, $10 T-shirts are available to buy near the door, and the website for Great Escape was advertised. Philipians 4:6 was shown on the projector and a countdown to Great Escape was shown.overhead screen. There is a countdown to Great Escape shown on the screen as well as anouncements. www.GEWorship.org. This night was the All Worship Night at Great Escape. The first songs were “Great is Your Faithfulness” and “Remember Your Children”. Bobby (the preacher of Great Escape) then greeted everyone and welcomed them to Great Escape. He mentioned a prayer request for himself for an upcoming mission trip he was attending. He also mentioned a couple of other prayer requests. We then sang “God Of This City”and “O Praise Him (All This For A King)” A video segment was then shown with the song “I Think About You” by Kent Bottenfield playing. The following Bible verses were shown on the screen: Romans 1:20, Psalm 29:10, Psalm 78:69, Psalm 96:6, Psalm 61:4, Deutoronomy 82:40, 2 Sam 7:13, Isiah 40:8, 2 Chronicles 6:2, and 1 Chronicles 16:34. The leader of the band, Blake Russell introduces all the band members. He says that God is our solid rock. We than sang “The Solid Rock (My Hope Is Built) and “Center”. Blake said that he prays for us to keep our eyes to heaven. One student speaks from Isaiaah 40:31. We than sang “Jesus Paid It All” and “Mighty To Save”. Blake gave a closing prayer and they announced that there was pizza and fellowship in the Christian Life Center in the back of the church. The home website for Great Escape is www.GEWorship.org.
This is a weekly event that takes place at First Baptist Church during the school semesters in fall and spring. Peoples of all denominations are welcome to come. While waiting for great escape, advertisements were shown over the overhead projectors. Among them was an anouncement for thursday nights for free cofee at an event called the blend that happens every thursday during the school semesters. There is sometimes a live band at 10 PM as well. This takes place in the back of the church in the basement. Other anouncements included that volunteers are needed to help breakdown equipment after Great Escape, $10 T-shirts are available to buy near the door, and the website for Great Escape was advertised. Philipians 4:6 was shown on the projector and a countdown to Great Escape was shown.overhead screen. There is a countdown to Great Escape shown on the screen as well as anouncements. www.GEWorship.org. This night was the All Worship Night at Great Escape. The first songs were “Great is Your Faithfulness” and “Remember Your Children”. Bobby (the preacher of Great Escape) then greeted everyone and welcomed them to Great Escape. He mentioned a prayer request for himself for an upcoming mission trip he was attending. He also mentioned a couple of other prayer requests. We then sang “God Of This City”and “O Praise Him (All This For A King)” A video segment was then shown with the song “I Think About You” by Kent Bottenfield playing. The following Bible verses were shown on the screen: Romans 1:20, Psalm 29:10, Psalm 78:69, Psalm 96:6, Psalm 61:4, Deutoronomy 82:40, 2 Sam 7:13, Isiah 40:8, 2 Chronicles 6:2, and 1 Chronicles 16:34. The leader of the band, Blake Russell introduces all the band members. He says that God is our solid rock. We than sang “The Solid Rock (My Hope Is Built) and “Center”. Blake said that he prays for us to keep our eyes to heaven. One student speaks from Isaiaah 40:31. We than sang “Jesus Paid It All” and “Mighty To Save”. Blake gave a closing prayer and they announced that there was pizza and fellowship in the Christian Life Center in the back of the church. The home website for Great Escape is www.GEWorship.org.
Wesley Wednesday Worship
Wednesday January 11, 2009
I attended the SFA Methodist Student Center (Wesley) this night. Supper was at 6 PM. Before serving supper, we did a prayer for the meal called the Wesley Grace. The Wesley Grace is sung before eating meals at the Wesley. The Worship service started at 7 PM. First we sang “Trading My Sorrows”. Second we had Welcome & Announcements. Next, we had greet your neighbor where everyone welcomes each other. Next, it was asked if there was any first time visitors. Then a prayer was offered. A scripture focus was read from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Next we sang “Arise” and “Indescribable”. Next was Joys & Concerns in which everyone could lift up their concerns or what they were joyful to God about. Joys & Concerns ended with the saying of The Lord's Prayer. Next another song, which was “God Of Wonders.” While singing an offering basket was passed around. Next we sang “Breathe.” A clipboard was passed around to fill out with information about yourself including: Name, Address, Phone Number, Major, and other info. A prayer was ten offered for Tom Teekell. Tom gave a sermon titled “Birds of a Feather”. Tom read from 1 Corinthians 13. Before reading Tom said: "Listen for the word of God". After reading Tom said: "This is the word of the Lord". The audience then replied with "Thanks be to God". Tom's sermon went something like this: Love is one of the most commonly used words in and out of the church. It is greatly over used and has lost it's meaning. An example Tom gave was that if hey tells his wife that he loves Apple Jacks and then tells her that he loves her he has just compared her to cereal. Different things that people say they love can include Obama, The Office, and Chex Mix. In secular music, love is often associated with sex. In abusive relationships, love is usually associated with control and on valentine's day it is associated with romance. How we treat our significant other shows our definition of love. We do silly things to attract our boyfriend/girlfriend. Birds also do silly things to attract mates. The Cockatoo swings back and forth upside down swinging it's head. The magnificent Friget bird inflates it's neck. In the Great birds of paradise 20 males dance and display their feathers and freeze when female shows up. The female then picks the one she wants. There are three main birds Tom mentioned that people can act like in the world when it comes to love. The first is the Peacock. These people are convinced that love is purely physical. They draw attention to themselves and think love is something to be won. Peacocks make a loud screeching noise if people are ignoring them. The second bird people can act like is Ravens. They are birds of prey who move in for the kill. They believes in love at 1st sight. They move quickly into relationships and puts themselves before others. The third bird people can act like is Vultures. They see what the prospects are and take advantage of people who are fresh out of relationships. They look for people in need of emotional support. They are co-dependent and like to fix up other people. Tom said that we should be like doves. Doves are monogamous and keep the same partner for a long time. Doves in the Bible represent Purity and innocents. Tom quoted Matthew 10:16. Innocence should be one of the most attractive traits that people see in each other. True love exist in finding it in Christ first. We should use that as a measure of who we create relationships with. This ended Tom's sermon. Next we took communion by intention. This is where the bread is dipped into the juice. Everyone was welcome to take. The table is not Methodist or Protestant. Tom asked people helping with communion to come forward. While giving communion Tom said the following phrase while giving the bread:"The body of Christ broken for you". The person helping Tom said the following phrase while people dipped the bread into the juice: "The blood of Christ shed for you" Tom had said that people can kneel at the alter rail and write down prayer requests and pray after taking communion if they wished. Guitar music was playing while taking of communion. Tom offered an invitation to anyone to talk to him after the service or anytime about accepting Christ or any special prayer needs. Lastly the song “In The Secret” was sang. Tom then did something called passing the peace in which he said a blessing over us and gave each person on the end of the aisle a hug. Each person in turn gave their neighbor sitting next to them a hug. We ended the service by singing "Search My Soul". After the service milk and cookies were offered.
I attended the SFA Methodist Student Center (Wesley) this night. Supper was at 6 PM. Before serving supper, we did a prayer for the meal called the Wesley Grace. The Wesley Grace is sung before eating meals at the Wesley. The Worship service started at 7 PM. First we sang “Trading My Sorrows”. Second we had Welcome & Announcements. Next, we had greet your neighbor where everyone welcomes each other. Next, it was asked if there was any first time visitors. Then a prayer was offered. A scripture focus was read from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Next we sang “Arise” and “Indescribable”. Next was Joys & Concerns in which everyone could lift up their concerns or what they were joyful to God about. Joys & Concerns ended with the saying of The Lord's Prayer. Next another song, which was “God Of Wonders.” While singing an offering basket was passed around. Next we sang “Breathe.” A clipboard was passed around to fill out with information about yourself including: Name, Address, Phone Number, Major, and other info. A prayer was ten offered for Tom Teekell. Tom gave a sermon titled “Birds of a Feather”. Tom read from 1 Corinthians 13. Before reading Tom said: "Listen for the word of God". After reading Tom said: "This is the word of the Lord". The audience then replied with "Thanks be to God". Tom's sermon went something like this: Love is one of the most commonly used words in and out of the church. It is greatly over used and has lost it's meaning. An example Tom gave was that if hey tells his wife that he loves Apple Jacks and then tells her that he loves her he has just compared her to cereal. Different things that people say they love can include Obama, The Office, and Chex Mix. In secular music, love is often associated with sex. In abusive relationships, love is usually associated with control and on valentine's day it is associated with romance. How we treat our significant other shows our definition of love. We do silly things to attract our boyfriend/girlfriend. Birds also do silly things to attract mates. The Cockatoo swings back and forth upside down swinging it's head. The magnificent Friget bird inflates it's neck. In the Great birds of paradise 20 males dance and display their feathers and freeze when female shows up. The female then picks the one she wants. There are three main birds Tom mentioned that people can act like in the world when it comes to love. The first is the Peacock. These people are convinced that love is purely physical. They draw attention to themselves and think love is something to be won. Peacocks make a loud screeching noise if people are ignoring them. The second bird people can act like is Ravens. They are birds of prey who move in for the kill. They believes in love at 1st sight. They move quickly into relationships and puts themselves before others. The third bird people can act like is Vultures. They see what the prospects are and take advantage of people who are fresh out of relationships. They look for people in need of emotional support. They are co-dependent and like to fix up other people. Tom said that we should be like doves. Doves are monogamous and keep the same partner for a long time. Doves in the Bible represent Purity and innocents. Tom quoted Matthew 10:16. Innocence should be one of the most attractive traits that people see in each other. True love exist in finding it in Christ first. We should use that as a measure of who we create relationships with. This ended Tom's sermon. Next we took communion by intention. This is where the bread is dipped into the juice. Everyone was welcome to take. The table is not Methodist or Protestant. Tom asked people helping with communion to come forward. While giving communion Tom said the following phrase while giving the bread:"The body of Christ broken for you". The person helping Tom said the following phrase while people dipped the bread into the juice: "The blood of Christ shed for you" Tom had said that people can kneel at the alter rail and write down prayer requests and pray after taking communion if they wished. Guitar music was playing while taking of communion. Tom offered an invitation to anyone to talk to him after the service or anytime about accepting Christ or any special prayer needs. Lastly the song “In The Secret” was sang. Tom then did something called passing the peace in which he said a blessing over us and gave each person on the end of the aisle a hug. Each person in turn gave their neighbor sitting next to them a hug. We ended the service by singing "Search My Soul". After the service milk and cookies were offered.
Monday, February 9, 2009
ABS (Association Of Baptist Students)
February 9, 2009
I visited the ABS tonight. I have been attending the ABS on and off now for about three years. We had a fellowship meal at 5:30 and then we had the Bible Study. The first thing we did was checked in. When we check in we share what is the “biggest thing on our plate” or what may be troubling us the most. Everyone is free to share what they would like in full confidence that it will stay within the group. While checking in we also share where we are in our personal Bible study. After checking in we sang “How Great Is Our God”, “God of Wonders”, and “Give Us Clean Hands”. The Bible Study was part two of a video Bible series on Knowing Fear. This week was on Fear of The Future and on trusting God. The Bible verses used included Psalm 27:1, Matthew 6:34, Exodus 14:11, and Psalm 33:8-9. The ABS has a group on facebook for anyone interested. They have fellowship meals every Monday night at 5:30 with Bible study afterwards. They are located on East College Street between the bike shop and the Wesley foundation.
I visited the ABS tonight. I have been attending the ABS on and off now for about three years. We had a fellowship meal at 5:30 and then we had the Bible Study. The first thing we did was checked in. When we check in we share what is the “biggest thing on our plate” or what may be troubling us the most. Everyone is free to share what they would like in full confidence that it will stay within the group. While checking in we also share where we are in our personal Bible study. After checking in we sang “How Great Is Our God”, “God of Wonders”, and “Give Us Clean Hands”. The Bible Study was part two of a video Bible series on Knowing Fear. This week was on Fear of The Future and on trusting God. The Bible verses used included Psalm 27:1, Matthew 6:34, Exodus 14:11, and Psalm 33:8-9. The ABS has a group on facebook for anyone interested. They have fellowship meals every Monday night at 5:30 with Bible study afterwards. They are located on East College Street between the bike shop and the Wesley foundation.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Yellow House Question Of The Week
February 8, 2009
I attended the Yellow House (SFA Christian student center) tonight for Question of the Week. We had a fellowship dinner at 7:30 and then had our discussion. This week’s question was: “What’s up with this anti-Christ thing?” It was discussed that the Anti-Christ is not so much one person as it is people who are strictly against Christ and believe that he did not really die on the cross and was resurrected. One group mentioned was the Gnostics. The Bible verses we looked at included 1 John 2:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:4, Revelations 13 (where it talks about the different beasts), 1 John 4:1, and 1 John 4:12-16. I have been a part of the Yellow House for about 8 or 9 years now. Information about the Yellow House may be found on North Street Church of Christ’s website which is http://www.northstreetcoc.org/. They are located on East College Street between the Wesley foundation and the Catholic student center. They have Monday Morning Manna every Monday morning at 7 A.M., visit Godtel (homeless shelter) every Monday night at 7 P.M., have Wednesday night Bible Study at 7 P.M., have dinner and devotional Thursday nights at 6:30, and have Sunday night Question of the Week at 7:30 P.M. on Sunday nights. They also have many retreats and other activities planned throughout the semester. They also have a group on facebook.
I attended the Yellow House (SFA Christian student center) tonight for Question of the Week. We had a fellowship dinner at 7:30 and then had our discussion. This week’s question was: “What’s up with this anti-Christ thing?” It was discussed that the Anti-Christ is not so much one person as it is people who are strictly against Christ and believe that he did not really die on the cross and was resurrected. One group mentioned was the Gnostics. The Bible verses we looked at included 1 John 2:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:4, Revelations 13 (where it talks about the different beasts), 1 John 4:1, and 1 John 4:12-16. I have been a part of the Yellow House for about 8 or 9 years now. Information about the Yellow House may be found on North Street Church of Christ’s website which is http://www.northstreetcoc.org/. They are located on East College Street between the Wesley foundation and the Catholic student center. They have Monday Morning Manna every Monday morning at 7 A.M., visit Godtel (homeless shelter) every Monday night at 7 P.M., have Wednesday night Bible Study at 7 P.M., have dinner and devotional Thursday nights at 6:30, and have Sunday night Question of the Week at 7:30 P.M. on Sunday nights. They also have many retreats and other activities planned throughout the semester. They also have a group on facebook.
North Street Church Of Christ
February 8, 2009
I visited the North Street Church of Christ. The morning service started at 10:30. There was a reading from Isaiah 60:1-4. The sermon was a part of a series and the topic was being blessed for the sake of the world. The pastor, Dr Michael Harbour, said that we are blessed with breath, sight, the gift of choice, shelter, rest, touch, friends, gift of enjoying music, and wonder among other things. He defined reverence as awe, respect, and shame. The Bible verses he used included Philippians 2:5-8, Romans 5:8, Matthew 12:36-37, 1 Peter 4:11, and Isaiah 60:1-4. The church took communion and the communion meditation included the following Bible verses: Matthew 26:26-27, Luke 22:17-19, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. I have been a part of the Yellow House for some years now and this church is the primary church that is associated with the Yellow House. I really enjoy visiting this church and will be back again. Their website is http://www.northstreetcoc.org/
I visited the North Street Church of Christ. The morning service started at 10:30. There was a reading from Isaiah 60:1-4. The sermon was a part of a series and the topic was being blessed for the sake of the world. The pastor, Dr Michael Harbour, said that we are blessed with breath, sight, the gift of choice, shelter, rest, touch, friends, gift of enjoying music, and wonder among other things. He defined reverence as awe, respect, and shame. The Bible verses he used included Philippians 2:5-8, Romans 5:8, Matthew 12:36-37, 1 Peter 4:11, and Isaiah 60:1-4. The church took communion and the communion meditation included the following Bible verses: Matthew 26:26-27, Luke 22:17-19, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. I have been a part of the Yellow House for some years now and this church is the primary church that is associated with the Yellow House. I really enjoy visiting this church and will be back again. Their website is http://www.northstreetcoc.org/
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Church Of The Living God - Lufkin, TX
February 7, 2009
I visited the Church of the Living God in Lufkin on 613 Culverhouse for a singles conference. The pastor is Overseer Earl Whitaker. The conference started at 9 A.M. We sang Bless That Wonderful Name. Then there was a reading of John 14:1-4. We sang “I Love You Lord” and “We Exalt Thee”. A Skit was then performed and introductions were made. I thought it was a great seminar and everyone was really open and honest about their opinions on dating and relationships. I felt welcome at this church even though it was a prominently African-American church. Romans 12:1 and Isaiah 40:31 were a couple of the Bible verses used in the conference. I received a C.D. from the pastor from the previous Sunday’s sermon as well as some great literature about being single for Christ. I would like to visit this church again in the future for a church service.
I visited the Church of the Living God in Lufkin on 613 Culverhouse for a singles conference. The pastor is Overseer Earl Whitaker. The conference started at 9 A.M. We sang Bless That Wonderful Name. Then there was a reading of John 14:1-4. We sang “I Love You Lord” and “We Exalt Thee”. A Skit was then performed and introductions were made. I thought it was a great seminar and everyone was really open and honest about their opinions on dating and relationships. I felt welcome at this church even though it was a prominently African-American church. Romans 12:1 and Isaiah 40:31 were a couple of the Bible verses used in the conference. I received a C.D. from the pastor from the previous Sunday’s sermon as well as some great literature about being single for Christ. I would like to visit this church again in the future for a church service.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wesley Foundation Schedule
Here is a schedule of events going on at the Methodist Student Center (Wesley) at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Their home webpage is http://www.sfawesley.org
Their home webpage is http://www.sfawesley.org
If You Would Like To Help
I would like to visit most of the churches in Nacogdoches and surrounding area. If you would like to help you can let me know more about your home church and if anyone would like to attend services with me one week, that is cool too. You can email me at sm4jc@rockwtmail.com and let me know, be sure to put "Church Visit SM4JC" in the subject column so I don't accidently delete it. The picture below is a document I created to help get to know some information about the church. You don't have to do it exactly this way, it is just a guideline. Thank you and God Bless! Also you could just record the entire service and get with me to make a copy of it.
Adam
Adam
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